The launch of GEMMAP, which was presided over by Minister of Natural Resources, Energy and Mining Bright Msaka at Bingu International Conference Centre in Lilongwe on June 15, 2016, attracted stakeholders from government, the corporate sector; diplomatic community, members of the civil society, traditional leaders and other members of the community.

Explaining to the minister after he visited the Shayona pavilion, Operations Manager Prajeesh Padmanabhan said the company will continue to work towards producing cement that will cater for the varying needs of the Malawi market.

Honourable Minister you can see that we have different types of cement. This underlines our company’s affirmative move to provide for the diverse needs of our customers,

he said.

Padmanabhah said the Akshar cement brand, which caters for over 25% of the market share in the country, is meant for low income customers, while Buildplast, which displays a high level of workability and coverage can be used for plastering, block work, brickwork and tilt slab substrates.

We have also set new standards by pioneering the 42.5R grade Thanthwe Cement, which is specifically made for vital structures such as dams, bridges, flyovers, railways, airports and high-rise buildings or skyscrapers,

he said.

In response, the minister appreciated Shayona’s efforts and conveyed word of encouragement to the company.

As government we really recognise your contribution to the economy. Apart from that, your company also creates employment opportunities for our citizens which provides for their improved livelihood. In essence, we can say your products are helping to build Malawi, and we encourage you keep up the good job, so that together we can come up with a better country with strong and reliable infrastructure,

Msaka said.

Shayona opened its operations in Malawi 20 years ago and it has grown into a leading local producer of cement with a rapid rise from a rated production capacity of 100 tons per day with less than 100 employees back in 1997 to a present rated production capacity of 650 tons per day with 1,200 personnel.

The company contributes substantially to the Government’s coffers with an annual remittance of MK2.5billion in both royalties and taxes.

Meanwhile, the entity is undertaking an expansion project at its factory situated in rural Kasungu which will see a monumental rise of production to more than 30,000 bags of cement per day.

***

The piece “Shayona showcases cement brands at GEMMAP launch” featured above was initially published in Malawi’s Mining & Trade Review Issue Number 39 that is circulating this July 2016.

The full edition is available for download here. This monthly publication is edited by Marcel Chimwala.